From Florida Blue
In Summary:
The Florida Blue Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 mental well-being grants, which aim to support nonprofits with proven expertise in mental health programs. The funding will prioritize projects that expand access to care and strengthen Florida’s mental health workforce amid ongoing provider shortages. Grants range from $300,000 to $400,000 over four years, with applications due May 21, 2026.
Florida Blue Foundation, the philanthropic affiliate of the state’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan, is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that improve health by advancing food security, promoting mental well-being, building healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. The Foundation is now accepting applications for 2026 grants from organizations with documented expertise in mental well-being.
The Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improving the health and well-being of families, children, individuals, and communities across Florida. The Foundation supports mental well-being grants that fund innovative, effective solutions that promote whole-person health, address unmet needs, and build a healthier, more resilient Florida.
The Foundation is looking for mental well-being programs focused on:
Enhancing Access to Mental Health Services.
Access to care and treatment for mental health issues remains out of reach for most of the population in the United States even though approximately 23% of adults experience mental illness and 16% of youth experience a mental health disorder each year. 1* This funding focus aims to bridge the mental health service gap for individuals and families across Florida, addressing pressing issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, and loneliness.
Proposed programs will enhance access to comprehensive mental health services, promote overall well-being, and foster resilient communities throughout the state. By targeting unmet needs and providing essential support, this funding seeks to improve the mental health and well-being of Floridians, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Strengthening Florida’s Mental Health Workforce.
Currently, 40% (137 million) of the U.S. population lives in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area (Mental Health HPSA). 2* At a state level, Florida has a severe shortage of mental health providers, with a staggering 550-to-1 ratio of residents to mental health providers, ranking 43rd in the nation. 3* This funding focus is intended to bolster Florida's mental health workforce by building a pipeline of professionals for enhanced care while addressing the state's growing need for mental and behavioral health services. By supporting the training, skills development and/or expansion of mental health professional programs, this funding aims to support licensed and qualified professionals entering the field, enhance their skills, and ultimately improve access to high-quality care for individuals and communities across Florida.
The Florida Blue Foundation is funding approximately $3.2 million for this grant program, offering four-year grants. The total funding request for the grant period should fall between $300,000 and $400,000, with an annual allocation of $75,000 to $100,000.
Applications for mental well-being grants are due Thursday, May 21, 2026, by 3:00 pm (Eastern Time). All applicants will be notified of their status in September 2026.
To access the online application for the Mental Well-being grant program, visit: FloridaBlue.com/Foundation or click here.
Watch the 2026 Mental Well-being Informational Webinar for more information on the grant program.
Key Points:
- The Florida Blue Foundation is offering approximately $3.2 million in total funding for mental well-being grants.
- Individual grants will range from $300,000 to $400,000 over a four-year period.
- Priority areas include expanding access to mental health services and strengthening the mental health workforce.
- Florida faces a significant provider shortage, with a 550-to-1 resident-to-provider ratio.
- Applications are due by May 21, 2026, with award notifications expected in September.
About Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions, and embracing solutions that create meaningful impact across the state. An average of 10 million Floridians receive services each year through its community investments. Founded in 2001, Florida Blue Foundation is committed to improving health by advancing food security, promoting mental well-being, building healthy communities, and addressing health disparities. Florida Blue Foundation is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit FloridaBlue.com/Foundation.
